Douglas County Commissioners Proclaim Feb. 21 to 28 as FFA Week, Praise Student Leadership and Ag Education

Douglas County commissioners Tom Kress, Chris Boice and Tim Freeman issued a proclamation Wednesday recognizing February 21 through 28, 2026, as FFA Week in Douglas County, highlighting the impact of agricultural education and youth leadership programs across local high schools.

The proclamation was presented during the commissioners’ weekly business meeting on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at the Douglas County Courthouse. Kress read the proclamation on behalf of the board, emphasizing how FFA helps students build leadership skills and practical experience that carry into careers and community service.

“What a great group we have here today! Every time I go to one of your (FFA) judging competitions, I leave just blown away at how well you do and how well you are prepared. I tell people that if they ever get a chance to watch FFA competitions, they should do it, because it is pretty amazing. You are all pretty amazing! We support our local FFA programs, not only personally, but also at the County because of who you are and how bright our future is because of you,” Kress said.

Students and advisors from seven chapters attend

County officials said 49 high school FFA students and eight agriculture science teachers and advisors attended the proclamation ceremony, representing seven of the county’s ten FFA chapters.

Douglas County’s FFA chapters include Camas Valley, Days Creek, Douglas, Elkton, Glendale, Glide, Oakland, Roseburg, South Umpqua and Sutherlin. Officials said more than 1,200 local youths participate each year in FFA competitions, livestock rearing and leadership programs.

Students who accepted a proclamation from Kress while representing their chapters were:

Anthony Storns, Glide FFA

Ryder Murphy, Sutherlin FFA

Juniper Crocker, Roseburg FFA

Ariel Parsons, Elkton FFA

Katelynn Simpson, Camas Valley FFA

Natalia Harris, Days Creek FFA

Madeleine Gosselin, South Umpqua FFA

County officials also gave a shoutout to Douglas, Glendale and Oakland chapters, which were unable to attend.

Additional FFA members and advisors listed as attending included:

• Days Creek FFA: Chyson Hayes, Landon Smith, Eli Pickett, Rowen White, Nymara Gideon, and Advisor Katie Michaels.

• Roseburg FFA: Holly Britton, Jasmine Olson, Hannah Dammann, Brenden Matz, Sophia Jones, Brodie Boggs, Quintin Pederson, Taylor Johnson, Quinn Coopride, Aidan Morrow, Marek Dewbre, Royal Grayner, and Advisor Cailey Powell.

• South Umpqua FFA: Teagan Powell, Shayla Carnes, Grace Shadbolt, Ian Vernoy, Emily Huse, Catalina Rodriguez, San Quinn, Ivy Scroggins, and Advisors Justin Hulse and Kyle Huntley.

• Camas Valley FFA: Susan Simpson, Tayten Jones, Alillyana Parret, and Advisor Heather Brown.

• Elkton FFA: Jastrut Brar, Ariel Parsons, and Braden Groth.

• Glide FFA: Zoey Nederhood, Holland Towne, Blake Miller, Hayden Mendenhall, Montana Holcomb, and Advisor Ben Kercher.

• Sutherlin FFA: Reece Sandberg, Noah Magana, Camila Castillon, Nathaniel Cook, Lyon Peng, Khloe Grotting, Samera Lopez, Morgan Singleton, and Advisor Wes Crawford.

Advisors and district officers describe what FFA builds

Wes Crawford, Sutherlin FFA chapter advisor and Umpqua District advisor for Douglas and Coos counties, thanked commissioners for ongoing involvement beyond proclamation day.

“The FFA students are really the expectation of what FFA does. They are the faces here. It is an example of what we are trying to achieve. On behalf of the Ag Teachers in the room, I want to say thanks very much to the Commissioners for having us here today. Today is not a one-time thing when it comes to our interactions with the Commissioners. So, our thanks is not just for today, but for your year-long consistent and authentic support for what ag education does and for what FFA does for students. We see you (Commissioners) all year round at judging events and supporting activities and that is really appreciated. What we are trying to make sure is that when our time with these kids is done, they leave and are ready to be useful citizens in our democracy. They know that the real-life experiences that we can provide them through career and technical education - that they can have a voice and influence – and not only is that powerful, but it is seen and appreciated by our community,” Crawford said.

After receiving proclamations, students were invited to stay for the weekly business meeting and share why FFA matters to them. Umpqua District President Camila Castillon Gordian of Sutherlin FFA and Umpqua District Vice President Noah Magana of Sutherlin FFA spoke for the district.

“On behalf of FFA members across our district, I just want to say thank you Commissioners for recognizing FFA Week and for supporting agricultural education in our community. FFA has truly shaped who I am. When I first joined, I would never have imagined I would be where I am now. Through FFA, I have gained confidence, learned how to lead and developed a passion for serving others. I know my story is not unique, across our district there are students discovering their strengths, building friendships and learning skills that they will carry far beyond high school. FFA is more than just agriculture, it’s about preparing young people to step up, work hard, and give back to their communities. It teaches responsibility, resilience and the importance of being involved. In a world that is constantly changing, those lessons matter more than ever. Your support has shown us that we are valued and investing in students truly makes a difference. We are incredibly grateful for that. Thank you, Commissioners, for believing in agricultural education and the future of our generation,” Castillon Gordian said.

“Thank you, Commissioners, for inviting us here today. National FFA Week is more than just wearing the blue corduroy jacket. It’s about celebrating an organization that prepares the next generation of leaders. Being a part of FFA ensures that the students will thrive in our society. This organization gives members the opportunity to exit their comfort zone and grow into wonderful young men and women. FFA installs a belief built on community service. FFA is worth more than this blue jacket. It’s worth learning to do, doing to learn, earning to live and living to serve. Thank for believing in us and supporting us in each of our journeys,” Magana said.

Commissioners and advisors point to year round support

County officials said the proclamation and meeting comments also highlighted how agricultural education supports future careers tied to food production, fiber and natural resource systems, and helps develop young professionals for roles across agriculture, science, business and technology.

FFA was founded in 1928 as Future Farmers of America and was officially renamed “FFA” in 1988, a change intended to reflect broader participation and career pathways. Commissioners also emphasized that the program welcomes students aiming for many future careers, including chemistry, veterinary work, government, banking, entrepreneurship, teaching, medicine, science and international business.

Glide FFA advisor Ben Kersher told commissioners he values the real world skills students gain through FFA and thanked local leaders for their support.

“One of my favorite parts of this job is the opportunity to work with young people and teaching essential skills. Everything from business to production agriculture to forestry to more importantly interpersonal communications – which includes shaking hands and doing business face-to-face. Thank you to the county for your support. And especially to our three Commissioners who truly put their money where their mouth is in supporting FFA in Douglas County - from attending fair activities to dinner auctions to other events where they spend money out of their own pockets to support our members on their road to success. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for the opportunity to be here today and for supporting our mission,” Kersher said.

Freeman echoed that message and told students the board sees their efforts throughout the year.

“What an amazing morning. It’s not just about recognizing you here today, it’s all year long. We are always excited and happy to get invited to and be at your events. At each of those events the way you students represent yourself and your school and your community is amazing. We get to witness what really are some of the best youth in our communities. We look forward to your future and those coming in behind you. We are always here if there is something we can help you with- please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We truly do appreciate the effort you all put into FFA. But also in a very real way, what you are going to turn into is important to our community,” Freeman said.

Following the business meeting, county officials said the Sutherlin FFA chapter presented all three commissioners with “Proud to Support Sutherlin FFA” yard signs.

Video links shared by the county

A copy of the outdoor and indoor video presentations was shared by the county and can be found on the Douglas County Government Facebook page and on the county’s YouTube channel.